The Newest Swaney Goes Home

After several years of deliberation (and persistent begging by Graham) we decided to take the parenthood plunge again...

Already having three boys, Kristie was uncharacteristically insistent that she get to have a lady in the family. So after a lot of painstaking research and careful planning we took a nice trip to Maryland, where we picked up Maya, a seven week old black lab.

Graham and Maya

Maya and her new playmate

The Connolly family was kind enough to take us in, puppy and all before we headed back

Little Ladies

The last week, and the final dash to the airport was pretty crazy, and I felt really sorry for the agent who had to deal with all our bags, kids and pet. Maya was actually an angel, but we probably should have used the leash on Lincoln, who had several near escapes.

Homeward Bound

Much as we enjoyed family, fast-food and safe drivers, it was good to be back in Yaounde, and enjoy the local sights, and settle back into our routines.

Home Sweet Home

Summer Vacatiion - Part 2

We wrapped up our vacation in Waterbury, VT enjoying the peace and quiet of the Green Mts.

Slip Sliding Away

The boys had a great time on the industrial size slip-and-slide designed by Bud Graham

Eli Adventures

Eli particularly enjoyed a birthday gift from Auntie D and Uncle Ben, who took him on the Alpine Slide at Stowe, on a special hike, to the ice cream shop and more.

The Wonder Twins

Bud Graham and Uncle Ben admiring the Nerf rockets being shot by boys of all ages

Get Rhythm

Graham really enjoyed showing off his new skills during a very unexpected jam session on African drums with drumming sensation DJ Farraday (aka Uncle Dave)

Biking Buddies

We found another opportunity to soak up americana on the Stowe bike trail, enjoying the family, gorgeous scenery, a great meal, and even a refreshing swim in the creek

The Swaney, Graham and Frey family

Easy Rider
Lincoln enjoyed himself so much in Vermont that he ran away when we were trying to leave, and had to be enticed back by offering another tractor ride with Bud

Summer Vacation - Part 1

As much fun as we have in Cameroon, we were quite ready to go home and impose on the hospitality of our family and friends. We started in the woods of Tennessee, hit the beach in Cape May, and then headed to the north country.

On the Trail

Kristie and the boys met up with the Stinchfields in the Smoky Mountains for some camping fun

Mighty Minnows

The boys enjoyed swimming with their aunt and uncle in a nice big cool lake

Free Rider

Predictably, Lincoln got his uncle to do all the hard work and enjoyed all the extra attention

Surf Bums

We moved on to the sand and waves, sharing the beach and an ice cream or three with Nanny and Papa John (Bills parents), Aunt Kathie and cousins Katie, Mike and Jackie.

Ladies on a stroll

Kristie, Kathie and Katie enjoying another perfect evening at the shore

Boy fun

The boys particularly enjoyed having an older brother for a while, and Mike didn't seem to mind having some wanna-be's hanging around

And they're off

The little guys gave us all a run for our money - but the grandparents still held their own

Beach Heaven

The ocean was unseasonably cold - but Mom was ready to warm up chilly boys when needed

Nature Camp

The older boys really enjoyed learning about nature, touching snakes, and generally enjoying opportunities and facilities that Cameroon doesn't offer them

Mayhem in Maine

Next we headed north, stopping to see our old friends Bart and Sush - of bush medicine fame

(our new Bush Medicine blog is http://www.bush-medicine.blogspot.com/)

Then we had a nice visit with the other Swaney cousins, building forts, playing in the sprinkler and seeing just how many bubbles a jacuzzi tub can make

Gotta Adore Smores

What can I say, it doesn't get any better than this

Puppy Love

Lincoln found a friend and role model in Jon's new dog Rugby